Faculty of Engineering Asyut Univesity

Mech. Eng. Department

4th year_1st Semester
2022_2023

REPORT ON

“Dynamometers and the measurement of torque "

Submitted by:
Mohamed Wael
Class (2)

Supervised by:
Dr. Sharef Al-adham

Date: 9 MAR 2023

Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2

2. How a Dynamometer Works .............................................................................................................. 2

3. Uses for Dynamometers ...................................................................................................................... 2

4. Types of Dynamometers ..................................................................................................................... 2

4.1 Prony Brake Dynamometer ...................................................................................................... 3

4.2 Eddy Current Dynamometers ................................................................................................... 3

4.3 Hydraulic Dynamometers ......................................................................................................... 4

4.4 Rope Brake Dynamometers ...................................................................................................... 5

4.5 Transmission Dynamometers ................................................................................................... 5

4.6 Chassis Dynamometers............................................................................................................. 6

4.7 Water Brake Dynamometers .................................................................................................... 7

5. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 8

6. References ........................................................................................................................................... 8

List of Figure
Figure 1. Diagram of the Prony brake dynamometer ................................................................................. 3

Figure 2. diagram of the eddy current dynamometer .................................................................................. 4

Figure 3. diagram of the Hydraulic dynamometer ...................................................................................... 4

Figure 4. Diagram of the Rope brake dynamometer................................................................................... 5

Figure 5. Diagram of the Transmission Dynamometers ............................................................................. 6

Figure 6. Chassis Dynamometers ............................................................................................................... 7

Figure 7. Water Brake Dynamometers ....................................................................................................... 7

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1. Introduction
A dynamometer is a measuring device that is used to measure force tension applications and weight
or pull forces. They are used to determine the torque, force, speed, and power required to drive a motor,
which can be measured by evaluating the torque and rotational speed simultaneously.

2. How a Dynamometer Works

The best explanation of how a dynamometer works is to envision a spring in a two-part mounting. One
end of the spring is anchored to a base, with the other end connected to the measured force. As the spring
is stretched by the force, a reading registers on a scale. This simplistic representation of a dynamometer
is very similar to a spring balance but provides readings in units of force or Newtons (N).

3. Uses for Dynamometers

During the design process, engineers want to know how big an engine or electric motor should be to
operate a machine. The type of dynamometer for such an application is a driving one, which is an engine
or electric motor that has monitors and meters that are able to measure the power, force, and speed being
used by the motor.

Though the use of dynamometers may seem to be restricted to motors, engines, and other mechanical
devices they have found use in other fields as a means for measuring power and force. Dynamometers are
a valuable technical instrument necessary for manufacturing; however, as modern as they are,
dynamometers were invented over 220 years ago to measure the pulling force of horses.

4. Types of Dynamometers
The various types of dynamometers are designed to be attached to a machine to apply a breaking force
to calculate the rotations per minute (RPM).

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4.1 Prony Brake Dynamometer
A Prony brake dynamometer is the simplest form of dynamometer that Gaspard de Prony developed
at the beginning of the first industrial revolution. It is made up of brake blocks that press against a rotating
wheel attached to the motor. The braking blocks create friction force to slow the velocity of the wheel.
The purpose of a Prony brake dynamometer is to measure braking power.

Figure 1. Diagram of the Prony brake dynamometer

4.2 Eddy Current Dynamometers

An eddy current dynamometer measures the torque and power of the prime mover, which is a motor
or engine. The rotor turns by the force of the prime mover shaft, and voltage is applied to the stator
housing. Magnetic flux is generated, which is cut off by the rotor. An eddy current that is opposite to the
change in the magnetic flux is generated in the rotor. The rotor attempts to contain and reduce the rotational
speed, while the prime mover maintains speed using its torque. The amount of torque is measured by an

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eddy current dynamometer. There are a wide range of functions that use eddy current dynamometers,
including various turbines and mining and drilling equipment.

Figure 2. diagram of the eddy current dynamometer

4.3 Hydraulic Dynamometers

A hydraulic dynamometer has semicircular vanes placed in a rotor and stator. Water flows in a toroidal
vortex around the vanes and creates a torque reaction in the dynamometer casing that is resisted by the

Figure 3. diagram of the Hydraulic dynamometer

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dynamometer and measured by a load cell. The construction of a hydraulic dynamometer is similar to a
fluid flywheel that measures the frictional force between impeller vanes and a moving fluid.

4.4 Rope Brake Dynamometers

A rope brake dynamometer is another method for measuring the power of an engine and includes a
rope that is wound around a drum that is attached to the output shaft. One side of the rope is connected to
a spring balance, with the other side attached to a loading device.

In a rope brake dynamometer, power is absorbed between the rope and the drum. The amount of
friction produced by the interaction of the rope and drum necessitates some form of cooling mechanism.
The mechanics of a rope brake dynamometer can be easily made, but the device does not provide accurate
data due to the changes in the friction coefficient.

Figure 4. Diagram of the Rope brake dynamometer

4.5 Transmission Dynamometers

Transmission dynamometers, also called torque meters, mostly consist of a set of strain-gauges fixed
on the rotating shaft and the torque is measured by the angular deformation of the shaft which is indicated
as strain of the strain gauge. Usually, a four arm bridge is used to reduce the effect of temperature to

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minimum and the gauges are arranged in pairs such that the effect of axial or transverse load on the strain
gauges is avoided.

Figure 5. Diagram of the Transmission Dynamometers

4.6 Chassis Dynamometers

Chassis dynamometers are torque measuring devices that measure what is produced by the movement
of a vehicle's wheels. They are available in fixed configurations or portable units. The purpose of chassis
dynamometers is to simulate road conditions, including all the forces that attack a vehicle during
operation.

The test includes accelerating, braking, and decelerating the test vehicle to get the necessary data.
There are several designs of chassis dynamometers designed to test several driving conditions and
challenges for vehicles.

The basic types of chassis dynamometers are:

[1] Inertia - Inertia dynamometers use flywheel inertia to measure acceleration rates to calculate the
resultant torque.
[2] Absorption - Power absorption dynamometers measure and absorb the power from an engine.
Absorbed power is dissipated as heat, which is measured by an absorption dynamometer using a
Prony brake dynamometer, rope brake dynamometer, eddy current dynamometer, or hydraulic
dynamometer.

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Figure 6. Chassis Dynamometers

4.7 Water Brake Dynamometers

Water brake dynamometers are designed to work with high torque low speed diesel engines that are
used in mining, marine, and naval applications. They can test engines with clockwise and
counterclockwise rotations. Water brake dynamometers are hydraulic type absorption dynamometers,
which are connected to the crankshaft of the engine while water is fed into the meter.

A rotating blade in the dynamometer turns the water to create the braking force against the crankshaft.
The measure of the power of the engine is decided by the heat that is generated. As the amount of water
increases, the necessary braking force increases.

Figure 7. Water Brake Dynamometers

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5. Conclusion
[1] A dynamometer is a measuring device used to determine the torque, force, speed, and power
required to operate the machine or motor drive.
[2] For the best readings from a dynamometer, it is important to calibrate and test it regularly.
[3] Though the use of dynamometers may seem to be restricted to motors, engines, and other
mechanical devices they have found use in a wide variety of fields as a means for measuring power
and force.
[4] A dynamometer has a data acquisition system that includes a commander and workstation.

6. References
[1] https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/dynamometers.html (visited 8 mar 2023).
[2] https://learnmech.com/dynamometer-types-of-dynamometer-used-for-torque-measurement/
(visited 8 mar 2023).